Roland Carl Nelson, age 64, of Cokato, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, after a battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 7, 1947, in St. Cloud, to Walter and Mildred (Shipp) Nelson. Roland was baptized Oct. 26, 1947, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato; and was confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Roland graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1965, and continued his education at Dunwoody Institute. He enjoyed a 35-year career as a draftsman at Goebel Fixture Company in Hutchinson.

A man of many interests, Roland enjoyed bicycling, cross country skiing with his niece, playing tennis and ping pong, baseball, listening to blue grass music, collecting coins and postcards, and bee keeping. Friends often referred to him as “The Old Bee,” coined from the bee keeping and wonderful honey he has provided for over 30 years.

He cherished many memories, of traveling and backpacking with friends to searching for collectibles and memorabilia at flea markets and auctions. Many of his greatest memories were from adventures he shared with friends or family, picking blueberries, find something at his pole shed, attending a music show, decoy, or coin show, or just sitting around talking.

Roland was also a talented sketch artist and created numerous pencil sketches, including a presidential sketch housed at the McLeod County Museum. His talents extended into his love of carpentry, which he used to build many cabinets and furniture pieces for himself and others. Roland was always willing to share his talents and often helped his nephew and others with various projects.

He will also be remembered for his genuine personality and witty sense of humor.